Why are traditional learning methods boring?

The problem with traditional learning methods is that their delayed payoff often frustrates students and causes them to lose interest. The less of a sense of achievement a student has, the less she or he will be interested in studying. Unfortunately, when the only feedback a student has during weeks upon weeks of studying is a few practice tests he can take before the real exam, it’s extremely easy, especially for younger students, to lose all motivation to study.

As such, the immediate payoff that comes from playing a game attracts students, while the delayed payoff of traditional learning methods often leave a student feeling frustrated and on the verge of quitting. When a student feels that he is constantly making headway, as progression through the levels of a game allows him to feel, he is easily motivated to continue playing the game, i.e. to continue “studying”. Hanjamaru thus allows students to study Chinese characters with constant, immediate rewards and feedback on the progress of their studies.


The above graph shows the relationship between payoff and effort using traditional learning methods.


In this graph, the yellow line represents traditional learning methods, while the green line represents educational games.

The above graphs give a visual representation of how the relationship between effort and payoff work when using traditional learning methods and how the relationship changes when students study by using an educational game.

The first graph of the effects of traditional learning methods shows the long plateaus present, where a student spends more and more effort but doesn’t notice any additional payoff. That’s how a student gets frustrated and loses interest.

The second graph shows the rate of payoff when playing a game like Hanjamaru. The green line shows the vastly shorter plateaus and more constant rate of payoffs, giving a student a sense of accomplishment and allowing them to realize the progress they're making.